Actress Isabelle Tate, best known for her role in the upcoming 9-1-1: Nashville series, has passed away at the age of 23. Her sudden death has drawn attention not only to her rising career but also to the rare neurological condition she lived with — Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease.
According to reports from People magazine, Tate’s family confirmed that she died unexpectedly at her home in Tennessee. Tate had recently completed filming her television debut on the 9-1-1 spinoff series set in Nashville, where she portrayed a young EMT in training.
Her representatives described her as a “dedicated and talented artist” whose future in Hollywood looked promising. The family has requested privacy as they grieve her loss.
Cause of Death and Underlying Condition
Isabelle Tate had been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves — those responsible for movement and sensation in the limbs. While CMT is not typically fatal, it can cause significant muscle weakness, balance issues, and complications that sometimes worsen with age or physical strain.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is caused by mutations in genes responsible for maintaining the structure and function of peripheral nerves. Symptoms usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood and may include muscle wasting in the lower legs, high foot arches, difficulty walking, and loss of sensation in the feet and hands (NIH, 2024).
In severe cases, patients may develop respiratory or cardiovascular complications, though this is rare. Tate’s family has not publicly disclosed whether her condition contributed directly to her death.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), CMT affects approximately 1 in 2,500 people worldwide, making it one of the most common inherited neurological disorders. There is currently no cure for CMT, but treatments focus on managing symptoms through physical therapy, orthotic devices, occupational therapy, and pain management.
In recent years, advances in gene therapy and stem cell research have brought hope for new interventions that could slow or reverse nerve damage caused by the condition.
While Isabelle Tate never publicly discussed her diagnosis in detail, close friends and colleagues described her as someone who “never let her condition define her.”
Born in 2001 in Tennessee, Tate developed an early passion for acting and community theater. Before joining 9-1-1: Nashville, she appeared in several local productions and short films. Her breakout role was expected to bring her national recognition.
Production sources told People that Tate was “deeply committed to her craft” and had continued to work despite experiencing physical limitations due to her neurological condition.
Fans and fellow actors have taken to social media to express their condolences and celebrate her achievements. Many have also used the moment to raise awareness about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the challenges faced by those living with chronic neurological conditions.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, physical therapy, and supportive care to maintain function and quality of life in individuals with CMT.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). “Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.” National Institutes of Health (NIH). Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/charcot-marie-tooth-disease.
(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)
